The EUR/USD pair rose for a fourth consecutive week, consolidating above the important level of 1.3250. In the last trading day, the quote closed at 1.3345, or reporting an increase by 128 pips for the period. Many analysts are expecting the pair to reach the 1.3500-1.3520 level in the next couple of days, especially if it breaks the psychological level of 1.3400.
The GBP/USD also registered an increase and Friday’s closing came at 1.5705, or 151 pips higher than a week earlier.
Meanwhile, the AUD/USD registered an increase for the first time in six weeks, closing at 0.9589, or 90 pips higher. The USD/JPY witnessed significant sell-offs during the past week, closing at 94.33 and decreasing by the impressive 309 pips. The high volatility in the USD/JPY came after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did not offer new monetary easing measures, as expected by investors.
Indices
Asian stock indices also saw big sell-offs, with the Nikkei225, which rose by the remarkable 80% (to 15.500) for the period November 2012 – May 2013, registered a loss of 5.22% for the past week. The index has declined by more than 20% for the last three weeks, which officially puts it in a bear market.
European markets also reported losses of about 2%, with Germany’s DAX30 falling by 1.97%, France’s CAC40 decreasing by 1.95%, and Italy’s S&P/MIB ending the week with a loss of 2.80%.
Wall Street has ”stumbled” on its record-breaking rally over the past months and closed the trading week with red-coloured candles, marking its third consecutive week on a negative territory. Investors’ concerns lingered on possible reduction of the stimulus programmes carried by central banks the world over. The Dow fell by 1.17%, the S&P500 closed with a loss of 1.04%, and the technological Nasdaq100 dropped by 1.53%.
Commodities
On the commodities market metals and oil futures witnessed upward movements. Gold (XAUUSD) rose by 0.83% to $1390 per troy ounce, while silver (XAGUSD) appreciated by 2.22%, closing the week at $22.06 per troy ounce. US oil futures for July (WTI0713) closed the week with a 1.74% increase to 97.80 per barrel.
What to expect this week?
This week’s start will turn market makers’ attention to the G8 meeting which will take place on 17-18 June in Northern Ireland. The UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, who is chairing the summit, has expressed his determination to address three issues he considers crucial for global recovery and growth: trade, tax compliance, and greater transparency in each sphere of development.
Other economic events that will capture investors’ focus are ECB President Mario Draghi’s speech on Tuesday along with the UK’s Consumer Price Index for May and the country’s Inflation Report hearings. The US session is also set to produce the Consumer Price Index for May on Tuesday. Wednesday’s highlight will be the Fed’s interest rate decision, with investors also expecting a report whether there will be soon a reduction in the quantitative easing programme or a complete cessation.
Thursday will shift investors’ attention to Germany’s Producer Price Index and the Bank of England meeting minutes. Friday will close the trading week with Bank of Japan Governor Kuroda’s speech and Canada’s Consumer Price Index.
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